Talisman Mainstage
Talisman Mainstage
What’s On at the Talisman Theatre
The Talisman offers nine main stage productions every year at our Kenilworth based theatre. We produce shows from across a wide spectrum of different genres and styles, offering a thrilling, vibrant evening in the theatre.
Our reputation means that we attract dynamic directors and top local actors to our stage. We also welcome visiting companies to enhance our programme.
Each season brings something for everyone, including Comedy, Murder and Mystery, Thrillers and the Classics alongside Musicals and our ever-popular family Pantomime.
Check out our What’s On pages regularly to ensure you don’t miss out on these amazing shows.
LIVE AT THE TALISMAN
2nd May 2026
Join us for a riotous night of stand-up as we bring top-class comedy to the Talisman’s Main House! Headlining is Darren Harriott — seen on Live at the Apollo, House of Games and BBC West Midlands Breakfast.
Joining Darren is leicester Comedy Festival silver stand-up winner, Kevin Daniel, Midlands breaking talent nominee, Abbie Hale and Ricky Gervais Spirit of Comedy Finalist and British comedian of the year finalist, Ravi Saini.
Your host for the evening is the ever-brilliant Harry Jenkins.
Expect belly laughs, bold banter, and brilliant acts.
A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE
18th - 23rd May 2026
Passion. Desire. Madness. Survival.
Traditional values clash with modern realities in this timeless masterpiece.
Considered Tennessee Williams’s finest work, A Streetcar Named Desire follows Blanche Dubois, a fading Southern belle who is staying with her sister, Stella, in boisterous New Orleans. When she meets Stanley, Stella’s overtly masculine and working-class husband, tensions between the pair rapidly and violently come to a head in the claustrophobia of their cramped living quarters.
Join us for this powerful tale of desire and destruction as Blanche realises that the present holds no hope and the past is inescapable.
ROCK OF AGES
22nd - 27th June 2026
Big dreams. Bigger hair. Blazing riffs.
Let your hair down and bring your dancing shoes for this larger-than-life blast from the past!
Set in the 1980s along the Sunset Strip, join us in following aspiring rocker Drew and small-town girl Sherrie as they chase their dreams at the legendary Bourbon Room, while trying to save the venue from being replaced by a strip mall.
Set to iconic anthems of the era, Rock of Ages is a high-energy, feel-good love letter to the ’80s — a jukebox romp with a soundtrack you’ll adore from start to finish. Live out your Hollywood dreams in this unmissable musical comedy!
Early Access Booking for Rock of Ages
Available exclusively to Talisman Theatre Members until the beginning of March 2026.
To reward our loyal supporters, Rock of Ages tickets will initially be offered only to Talisman Theatre members. Becoming a member is the best way to guarantee your seats for this hugely popular musical – and enjoy a range of benefits all year round.
Why become a member?
- Exclusive early booking on Rock of Ages before tickets go on general sale
- Discounted ticket prices for all Talisman productions throughout the year
Don’t miss out on your chance to secure the best seats.
👉 Join the Talisman Theatre today:
BLEAK EXPECTATIONS
24th - 29th August 2026
Mischief, mayhem and darkly comic chaos.
Prepare for a hilarious evening of joy and laughter as Dickens meets Monty Python in this chaotic comic caper.
Follow the story of Pip Bin and his family and friends as they scramble to escape the clutches of dastardly villains and find true love. Spot the Dickensian characters as they uphold their Victorian values in this non-stop comic farce that sees them send up Britishness with oodles of silliness as they race towards their (hopefully) happy ending.
Based on the award-winning BBC Radio 4 series, this Mark Evans play enjoyed a highly successful run in the West End. So take a trip back to Victorian England in this fast-paced and inventive production, featuring a host of instantly-familiar characters that will have you rolling in the aisles.
THE CURIOUS INCIDENT OF THE DOG IN THE NIGHT-TIME
28th September - 3rd October 2026
A journey through mind and heart
A moving story of courage, curiosity, and connection. Step into the extraordinary world of Christopher Boone in The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
Adapted from Mark Haddon’s award-winning novel, this unforgettable story follows fifteen-year-old Christopher, a brilliant mind on a mission to solve the mystery of a neighbour’s dead dog. What begins as a detective adventure soon becomes a profound journey of self-discovery, family, and resilience.
Engaging and uplifting, this drama is perfect for families and students, with strong connections to GCSE and A-Level study. Join us for an unforgettable experience that touches both heart and mind.
Including a Relaxed Performance – see Relaxed Performance for details.
GASLIGHT
2nd - 7th November 2026
Deception burns behind closed doors
The iconic Victorian thriller of manipulation, secrets and suspense. The Manninghams appear to be the perfect couple — at least from the outside. But behind the elegant façade of their London home, something far more sinister is at play.
Bella begins to doubt her sanity; Jack vanishes on mysterious errands; objects disappear, and strange footsteps echo from the attic. Is Bella truly losing her mind? Why does the light keep flickering? And what prompts the sudden arrival of a detective at their door? Gaslight is a gripping story of psychological control, deception and resilience — a chilling glimpse into the life of a woman fighting to reclaim her reality.
Rediscover Patrick Hamilton’s classic thriller in a new light — the play that gave us the term “gaslighting” — and experience a timeless drama that feels more unsettlingly relevant than ever. Step into the shadows and see it for yourself.
CINDERELLA
19th December 2026 to 2nd January 2027
A sparkling family adventure!
The timeless tale you know and love…with a few delightful twists in this year’s Talisman pantomime.
Prince Christopher needs to take a wife; but, for one more day, he wants to taste the freedom of an ordinary man. Swapping places with his manservant, Dandini, he encounters the Stoneybroke family, comprising two larger-than-life sisters, an overworked hired hand and a young girl by the name of Cinderella. The Prince is captivated by her and her kindness to an old lady in the town, but all too soon, he has to return to royal duties. Will he ever see Cinderella again, and who is the strange old lady who is more than she seems?
The Talisman Pantomime once again brings you an evening of spectacle, music and comedy for all the family.
Including a Relaxed Performance – see Relaxed Performance for details.